Harbor Freight light clip for Ender 3

thingiverse

My 3D printer sits in a dimly lit corner of the room, and I wanted more illumination on hand when I need it. Unfortunately, I don't have space for a lamp nearby, so I sought out an alternative solution using my stash of freebie LED lights from Harbor Freight (https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-3-12-in-led-mini-flashlight-63600.html). I envisioned a clip that could secure the light at the top of my Ender 3, accommodating flashlights with barrel diameters up to 1 inch (~25mm for metric users) and a square side measuring 20mm. To create this makeshift lighting solution, I snapped the square section onto an aluminum channel and then inserted the light into the round section. Instantly, my workspace brightened with a compact, adjustable light source. While clipping the square side on the aluminum channel required some finesse, it eventually snapped into place within a minute, shining brightly. However, I must remember to switch off the light once I'm done working at the printer, as batteries do have limited lifespans. When printing tall objects, it's also wise to remove the light from its clip before the print reaches a height that could obstruct the Bowden tube.